The movie is based on the real-life story of Tamil Nadu-based social activist Arunachalam Muruganantham, who revolutionised the concept of menstrual hygiene in rural India by creating a low-cost sanitary napkins machine.

The movie was earlier scheduled to be released on January 25 but after filmmaker Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s requested Khiladi Kumar, PadMan was pushed to February 9 to avoid clash with Padmaavat.

"Nobody is interested in listening to speeches or watching documentaries. They are more interested in knowing about a subject through films. "People have watched 'Toilet: Ek Prem Katha' and they have understood the importance of toilets and not defecating in the open. Entertainment is the best way to spread social message," Akshay said in a recent media interaction.